RPG Science Adventure: Exploring the Ocean
You have been contracted to undertake a deep sea exploration where you will need to engineer a worthy submarine, collect/test biological and mineral samples, solve issues as they arise, and build an underwater lab using biomimicry.
Danita
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(1,561)
What's included
10 live meetings
15 in-class hoursHomework
Some of the activities may take longer then the class and students will be encouraged to share their results on the classroom page.Assessment
When a learner completes the course they will be provided a certificate of achievement.Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 7
Discover an underwater world filled with splendor, danger, and mystery. Сraft a submarine and equipment to improve your diving, explore ocean depths, survive the deadly hazards, and research the magnificent creatures at all depths. I will lead the class as a narrator guiding the learners through a role playing adventure in which they are a team of engineers, researchers, divers, cartographers, and adventurers. This course will include eight missions in which the learners will build, investigate, and explore the ocean depths. Character Creation and Start of the Story In the first class we will be creating our characters, discuss how to use our character sheets, talk about what is to be expected for our scientific journals, and start our expedition. Mission 1 Engineering a submarine In this mission learners will design a submarine, build a prototype, and solve real-world issues that may arise in the story. Mission 2 and 3 Exploring light at different depths As we dive into the waters we notice that the light is fading and some colors are not visible any longer. Learners investigate this phenomenon through a simple experiment and create a model showcasing the different depths of the ocean. Mission 4 Feeling the pressure Diving ever deeper the submarine creeks and moans under the pressure of the water above it. Learners will explore this topic further and create a scuba diver model based on difference in pressure. Mission 5 Ocean Movement As learners travel in their submarine they can feel the strong currents in some locations pulling them off course. They will investigate what causes these currents and how they fuel the oceanic ecosystems. Mission 6 Collecting samples Learners will build a robotic arm to help them carry out the task and, once completed, will use the robotic arm to collect samples from the ocean floor. Mission 7 Marine biology The story will take the learners on an adventure where they will come across many different organisms that they will catalogue. Mission 8 Living under the ocean The organism's adaptations have given our crew an idea of how animals and plants can adapt to this harsh environment. Learners will then use this knowledge to design the underwater lab so that it can stand the test of time. Mission 9 Exploring bioluminescence Once the lab is built and the crew has made it a home they notice the spectacular light show at depth. They will investigate further and learn about the different ways bioluminescence can be achieved and create glowing water to showcase the ability.
Learning Goals
Student will improve their understanding of buoyancy, engineering, troubleshooting, marine biology, biomimicry, adaptations, and bioluminescence while delving into an RPG world that will bring the adventure to life.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Sometimes students will need to use tools to help them poke holes into plastic bottles or heat up water in a kettle/pot. These activities may need to be supervised and learners should always use caution.
Supply List
I recommend always having some paper and a pencil for each class in case you want to write down key information or design or modify equipment. Mission 1 Build a Submarine: Large plastic bottle Sand (1 cup) Plastic funnel Plastic tub of water that will fit the larger plastic bottle, a sink, or a tub Two small plastic bottles Scissors Ruler Two plastic drinking straws Rubber bands Modeling clay (1 small package) Two bulldog clips Scissors/Drill/Screwdriver (we will be poking holes in the bottle) Mission 2 Colors at Depth Experiment: Worksheet (provided the week prior) Flashlight Blue foil or a thin, blue plastic folder (this will be used to filter our light as if we were in the ocean) Rubber band Small colored objects (white, red, and blue) Cardboard shoebox with sealed lid, black inside Ruler Scissors Additional small objects of various colors (optional) Ocean Depths Activity: A clear jar Food coloring Corn syrup Oil Dish soap Water Rubbing alcohol Funnel Mission 3 Pressure and Depth Experiment: Large plastic bottle Scissors/Exacto knife/Drill (we will be putting holes in the bottle) Water (enough to fill the bottle) Tape (duct tape or electrical tape work best) Simulating Pressure Conditions (optional experiment): - I will show this experiment and you can make one of your own, but it is not required 2L soda bottle 2.5 cups polystyrene beads (or small marshmallows in a pinch) Paper funnel Bike pump or large plastic needleless syringe (>50 milliliter) Duct tape or electrician’s tape Permanent maker Mission 4 Ocean Currents Experiment: Water Food dye (red and blue) Ice tray and freezer Large clear container to act as a mini-ocean (anything from a large jug and upwards) Kettle Straw Optional game: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/games/action-and-adventure/krill-smackdown/ Mission 5 Cardboard ( preferably a double corrugated board although you could manage with a single corrugation. Will result to a slightly weaker model.) 10 ml syringes x 8 (these syringes will act like the muscles of the hydraulic arm) 2m long tube (the tube needs to fit snugly into the opening of the syringe.) Toothpicks Superglue (you will need a lot!) X- acto knife A pair of scissors Items to pick up with the new robotic arm Mission 6 Paper and pencil Mission 7 Paper Pencil Markers/Colored Pencils (Optional) Cardboard and other misc. items to build a model of the underwater lab design Mission 8 3 Empty Bottles or Drinking Glasses Highlighter Tonic Water Water Black light - (there are many options, but here is a small light for $7 on Amazon: LE Small UV Blacklight Flashlight, Portable Black Light 395nm)
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
All materials for the class will be posted to the classroom page and any supplies needed are listed under the Supplies tab.
Teacher expertise and credentials
I am an experienced teacher and adventurer who has been all over the world. In my spare time I dive, explore the ocean, and play fun RPG games. For this course I have tied in my two hobbies to make an exciting adventure for the learners which will help them understand scientific and engineering concepts that apply to the real world.Reviews
Live Group Class
$150
for 10 classes1x per week, 10 weeks
90 min
Completed by 25 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-13
1-10 learners per class
